Rafael Barrios

“If gravity was not on our minds, the world would work better.”

Rafael Barrios (b. 1947) was born to Venezuelan parents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From a young age, Barrios displayed a natural affinity for art, prompting him to pursue studies at several prestigious academies. He honed his skills at institutions such as the Museo de Bellas Artes in Caracas, Venezuela, Asbury College in Ottawa, Canada, Ontario College of Art, and New York University. (Read more).

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Rafael Barrios has earned acclaim as one of the most groundbreaking contemporary Latin American artists and the father of Virtualism. This artistic movement reimagines volume, allowing it to dynamically alter form based on factors like distance, observer perspective, and changing light conditions. His sculptures defy conventional directionality, unlocking fresh avenues of perception. Each piece possesses a unique set of dynamics, blending levity, strength, and magnetism.

Over his illustrious four-decade career, Barrios has participated in more than 100 exhibitions, showcasing his work in both solo and collective shows. His art has graced the most prestigious art centers across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Notably, his pieces are featured in esteemed collections such as the Sofia Imber Contemporary Art Museum in Caracas, Venezuela, the Procter & Gamble International Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Coca-Cola headquarters in New York, among others.

Over his four-decade career, Barrios has participated in more than 100 exhibitions, showcasing his work in both solo and collective shows. Additionally, his work has been included in the most important art centers of the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Notably, his pieces are featured in esteemed collections such as the Sofia Imber Contemporary Art Museum in Caracas, Venezuela, the Procter & Gamble International Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Coca-Cola headquarters in New York, among others.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

Important Exhibitions

2019    Ontological Curisosity: Rafael Barrios, Coral Gables Museum, Florida, USA

2018    Rafael Barrios, Mind’s Eye, Art of the World Gallery, Houston, Texas, USA

2017    Hôtel Les Cures Marines, Trouville-sur-Mer, France

2012    Rafael Barrios on Park Avenue, New York, USA

1987    Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Sofía Imber, Caracas, Venezuela

1978    Centro de Bellas Artes, Maracaibo, Venezuela

 

Important Group Exhibitions

2017    Museo de Bellas Artes, Magda Arria, Lima, Peru

Miami Symphony Orchestra, Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami, Florida, USA

2009    ArtBo, Bogota, Colombia

2008    Chicago Art Fair, Chicago, Illinois, USA

2007    Museum Shanghai Sculpture Space, Changning District, China

2005    Toronto International Art Fair, Toronto, Canada

 

Permanent Collections

Don Juan Carlos de Borbón, King of Spain

Gloria Von Untaxis, Princess of Germany

Museo de Esculturas al Aire Libre, Alcalá de Henares, España

World Bank, Caracas, Venezuela